Written by James Buce
The Harding University baseball team is wrapping up the 2010 season with only four games left before the regular season finale April 25.
Currently sitting sixth in the Gulf South Conference West Division, the Bisons have compiled a 21-22 record with games left against University of Arkansas-Monticello and Arkansas Tech University.
The team has struggled at times but has shown improvement throughout the season, and there are high hopes going into next year.
“We have been somewhat inconsistent,” freshman Lucas Waddell said. “But have shown we can compete with some very good teams when we play to our full potential.”
Waddell, a freshman pitcher, has shown solid outings this year leading the team with a 4-1 record and a 2.40 ERA. He won the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week on April 6.
Along with Troy Keith and Kyle Cline, Waddell is the third pitcher on the roster to have won the award.
“It’s an honor to win the same award as those two great pitchers and be apart of such a great pitching staff,” Waddell said.
With only four games left, the Bisons are still in control of their own hopes of a playoff berth in the GSC Tournament.
“As of right now our team has a great chance of making the playoffs,” junior Jason Nappi said. “We have backed ourselves in a corner a bit, but we still control our own destiny as faras reaching the GSC tournament.”
Nappi, a junior transfer from Mississippi State, is leading the team with a .391 batting average, 45 runs batted in and seven home runs. He sees potential going into next season with the young players on the team.
“There absolutely is a positive outlook,” Nappi said. “We are getting better every day, and a lot of our young talent is really gaining experience. Harding baseball has a bright future ahead of it.”
The team will travel April 17 to 18 to Monticello for a weekend series against the Boll Weevils.
“We will have to stay focused and approach each game individually,” Nappi said. “But we have a team that will be able to succeed on the road.”
The Bisons will finish the season with a home stand against Arkansas Tech April 24 to 25.
“Hopefully we can pull through in these last few weeks and notch out our spot in the GSC tournament,” Nappi said.
The next couple of weeks will determine whether the Bisons make the GSC tournament and potentially the Division II playoffs.
“I think the team is comprised of great guys with the talent to keep doing well and the determination to keep getting better as the season continues,” Waddell said.
Even if the Bisons miss the playoffs, this season provided hope for the future and a bright outlook going into next year.
